Donington sees rise in anti-social behaviour problems after Lincolnshire Police cut PCSOs to address £10million budget black hole

The loss of police community support officers (PSCOs) has contributed towards a rise in anti-social behaviour for one village, according to a concerned councillor.

Donington councillor Jane King is calling for youngsters to respect Flinders Park after phallic symbols were scrawled on a path along with broken glass and litter. This comes ahead of a major event for the village — with residents eager to show Donington in its best light.

Hundreds of visitors from Australia and across the world are expected to descend on Donington to watch the re-burial of renowned explorer Matthew Flinders in St Mary and the Holy Rood Church in July.

Coun King, who sits on both Lincolnshire County Council and South Holland District Council, says the current behaviour in the park is a slap in the face for the seven volunteers who look after the site - but feels that things were better when the village had a dedicated PSCO.

Cash-strapped Lincolnshire Police was forced to cut the roles of 41 PCSOs last year as it faced up a £10 million budget black hole. It had said that the changes had borne fruit with positive trends on crime figures.

Coun King said the village was missing its PSCO ‘big time’.

She said: “PSCOs didn’t have any powers but they were a presence but now we haven’t got any.

“They may save money on this but we need more feet on the ground. We haven’t got enough police officers.

“We have spoken about the (South Holland District Council) community wardens but they finish at 5.30pm/6pm - we need someone in the evenings.”

Yobs had scrawled phallic symbols in chalk in the park - which is used by younger children.

Broken glass has been found in various spots along with a lot of litter.

Coun King has dubbed this behaviour as ‘mindless stupidity’.

She said: “Volunteers give up their time to look after the place and it is a real kick in the face.

“We rely on volunteers to cut the grass. There are a very small number of volunteers to do everything, such as keeping the place nice and fundraising. We don’t get any grants.

“We are trying to get the village looking nice ahead of Matthew Flinders coming home.”

The explorer - who was the first to circumnavigate Australia - was born in Donington and will be re-buried in the village church on July 13 after his body was discovered during HS2 work in London.

A village fun day is planned on July 13 with special services planned in the church on July 12 and 14.

Flinders Park will be hosting a fundraising event on Sunday, June 2, from noon to 4pm.

A bouncy castle, stalls, food and games will be on offer at the event.

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